Kathmandu, Japan’s newly appointed Ambassador to Nepal, MAEDA Toru, has officially commenced his tenure after arriving in Nepal on January 9, 2025. Ambassador MAEDA expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations, which share a long-standing friendship and cultural exchange.Highlighting the 69-year-long diplomatic relationship between Japan and Nepal, established in 1956, Ambassador MAEDA noted the deep-rooted people-to-people ties that date back even earlier. He recalled the visit of Japanese monk KAWAGUCHI Ekai to Nepal in 1899 and the subsequent journey of eight Nepali students to Japan in 1902, signifying the historical bond between the two countries.In his message, Ambassador MAEDA emphasized Japan’s contribution to Nepal’s development in fields such as infrastructure, agriculture, and education. Drawing parallels between the mountainous geography of both nations, he pledged to leverage Japan’s expertise in disaster management and technology for Nepal’s growth.Ambassador MAEDA also mentioned the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, where Nepal will showcase its cultural and natural strengths through a dedicated pavilion, providing an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding. He further emphasized the upcoming 70th anniversary of Japan-Nepal diplomatic relations in 2026, promising to strengthen bilateral cooperation and ensure the safety of Japanese residents and companies in Nepal.Concluding his message, Ambassador MAEDA wished the people of Nepal a prosperous year in 2025 and expressed his commitment to further enhancing the friendship and goodwill between the two nations.